Outdoor Christmas lighting ideas

Give your garden a magical festive glow with our pick of the best outdoor Christmas lighting ideas, from simple candle clusters to festoons of twinkling fairy lights. Christmas is the party season, so what better way to decorate your (hopefully) snowy garden, patio or courtyard with a spattering of glittery lights.

Whether you want to set the scene for an inimate atmosphere, light the way for your guests, or simply to create a starry silhouette to twinkle in the nights skies, we have all your lighting needs sorted.
Hanging outdoor lanterns

Create a magical winter seating area by hanging a cluster of lantern lights and white Christmas decorations over a patio.

Outdoor candle bundles

Tie three or four white dinner candles together to create an evocative light on an outdoor table. Surround with a circlet of winter greenery, such as gypsophila, for a pretty touch. Never leave burning candles unattended.Similar candlesHabitat

Image credit: Michelle Garrett

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Pre-lit garden branches and trees

If your garden is less than green, think about tying in some prelit decorative twigs for a little outdoor twinkle – or even a pre-lit tree…Similar pre-lit branchesBentsSimilar pre-lit Christmas treeJohn Lewis

Line a footpath with lanterns

Why not go all out and create a twinkling footpath by lining the
approach to your home with chunky church candles and glass lanterns.
Team with tiny fairy lights to ensure Father Christmas doesn’t miss your house.

Create a dramatic feature with pin lights

Do you have a flair for the dramatic and lots of spare time? If so try this design idea – string hundreds of tiny outdoor lights in the branches of the trees leading up to your house to create a twinkling wonderland.

String up classic lanterns for Nordic style

Create a cosy outdoor seating spot by stringing up traditional metal
lanterns on a verandah or decking area and filling them with twinkling
candles. Warm blankets essential!

Image credit: David Brittain

Visit the Ideal Home garden shop

Love your garden? Take advantage of our special offers on plants at the Ideal Home garden shop. Our curated collection of beautiful flowers and shrubs is guaranteed to add colour and charm to your outdoor space.